Table Saw Taper Jig

How it Works

The basic idea is to use the jig to hold your wood at the desired angle and run the jig along the straight edge of the fence.  Because the jig is set to hold the wood at the desired angle, you can make the same cut with consecutive items without needing to adjust.  Each cut will be identical with little effort after the initial setting up of the table saw taper jig.

Setting Up the Jig

Measure your cut line as you normally would.  This can be a little more difficult with angled cuts, but the concept is the same.  Measure where the cut should be at each end of your piece of stock and then draw a straight line between those two points.  As usual, a double check on your measurements is always recommended.  It is much easier and less time consuming to measure twice and cut once.

Here is where the concept of the table saw taper jig comes into focus.  Place your stock onto the jig and set the jig against the fence.  Your fence should be adjusted until the cut line at the bottom lines up with the miter slot.  Now, the theory here is to adjust the table saw taper jig until the cut line is perfectly parallel with the fence and on the miter line of the saw.  Most jigs work on a hinge.  Therefore, during the process of opening the jig, you may need to slide your fence back to allow for the widening at the bottom of the jig.  Once you think you are close, measure both ends of your cut line to the fence.  You are parallel when both ends are an even distance from the fence.  Now you can lock your piece to your jig, lock the jig, and, of course, measure again.

Homemade or Store Bought

There are many correct, yet different, plans for building your own jig.  You can find them in lumberyards, home improvement stores, and on the internet.  If you are familiar with the concept of the table saw taper jig, then it will be easier for you to put your own together.

If you have never used one before, it will be more difficult for you to understand the precise nature of the tool and you should consider purchasing one.  Like the plans, you can find them in home improvement stores, lumberyards, and on the internet.  Make sure you do your homework and become familiar with how the different designs work.  This is not an easy cut and can be dangerous.  Understanding exactly how the table saw taper jig operates is very important before putting it to work.

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